GMRS Radio and License.

BuzzyBud

Oct 20, 2020

As I wrap my head around the topic of communication methods between vehicles during off road adventures, an understanding of GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) seemed essential for me.

One of the New England based training organizations which I hope to use has a requirement that all participants have a GMRS radio and license.

With a little help from the internet, I was able to obtain my FCC Registration Number (FRN) and complete the GMRS license application. In ten business days I should receive my license and call sign.

Curious? Seeking a sanity check! How many of our members have a GMRS license and do you use your call sign? It all seems over kill for recreational off-road adventures, but what do I know? If the training center here in New England require all this, then I guess it is important.

Rgwinn, Bronc96

Last edited by a moderator: Oct 20, 2020

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Jul 27, 2023

#20

For those who were interested but turned off by the fee. The fee has now dropped to $35 for 10 years. 1 license is good for you and your immediate family ( S/O, children, step children, brothers, sisters, parents, and in laws.) they say 24-48 to get an answer once applied I received mine in 8 hours.

Deano Bronc, Mal

Jul 27, 2023

#21

Bigadamonbass
For those who were interested but turned off by the fee. The fee has now dropped to $35 for 10 years. 1 license is good for you and your immediate family ( S/O, children, step children, brothers, sisters, parents, and in laws.) they say 24-48 to get an answer once applied I received mine in 8 hours.

When I am on a trail, I have a very expansive definition of family. I like to hand out handsets to all my brothers and sisters.

2023 Wildtrak. "Sometimes you got to get lost, to get found" -J Bronco

jimFish, Deano Bronc

Jul 28, 2023

#22

Mal
When I am on a trail, I have a very expansive definition of family. I like to hand out handsets to all my brothers and sisters.

Along with my radio I only have two portables to share...does that count? 😁

21 Badlands, 2 dr, four banger, slushbox, SAS. PERFECT!

jimFish

Jul 29, 2023

#23

If I get one, I wonder if I can use my old CB call sign...

'21 AMB Basesquatch 2 Door. 2.7. 569 days from reservation to delivery

Aug 03, 2023

#24

PSUTE
If I get one, I wonder if I can use my old CB call sign...

Is it a clean call sign??? Hmmmmmmm??

Sep 28, 2023

#25

PSUTE
If I get one, I wonder if I can use my old CB call sign...

Callsigns are not generally used in GRMS. CB history doesn't exist there. That doesn't mean you can't use your callsign. It's just that you would be one of the very few doing so.
You generally don't get GRMS to talk to distant people. Consider GRMS a utility, like a knife. It's really just intended for people to talk with each other say on a big farm, or people hiking a trail , or trail riding.

2D Base Mansquatch: Ord 11-24-2021; VIN 3-16-2022; Schd 5/9/22; Sticker 5/4/22; Modules 5/10/22;Built 5/11/22;Shipt 5/12/22;Delv 5/24/22

Sep 29, 2023

#26

mike8675309
Callsigns are not generally used in GRMS. CB history doesn't exist there. That doesn't mean you can't use your callsign. It's just that you would be one of the very few doing so.
You generally don't get GRMS to talk to distant people. Consider GRMS a utility, like a knife. It's really just intended for people to talk with each other say on a big farm, or people hiking a trail , or trail riding.

Okay but when you apply for your license (very easy by the way with no test) They do ask what your call sign is.... You can leave that line blank and still get the license. I know because I left that line blank.

Sep 29, 2023

#27

Unicorn
Okay but when you apply for your license (very easy by the way with no test) They do ask what your call sign is.... You can leave that line blank and still get the license. I know because I left that line blank.

You are required to announce your callsign at the end of a conversation or once every 15 minutes if in a lengthy discussion. The callsign is the letter and number series issued when you are assigned the license. CB callsigns were also known as Handles.

2D Base Mansquatch: Ord 11-24-2021; VIN 3-16-2022; Schd 5/9/22; Sticker 5/4/22; Modules 5/10/22;Built 5/11/22;Shipt 5/12/22;Delv 5/24/22

Unicorn

Sep 29, 2023

#28

mike8675309
You are required to announce your callsign at the end of a conversation or once every 15 minutes if in a lengthy discussion. The callsign is the letter and number series issued when you are assigned the license. CB callsigns were also known as Handles.

Thank you for the info... did not know that... Now I do. Thank you.

Apr 17, 2026

#29

so now I know more about the process of getting a GMRC license thanks to the folks that posted the information.

If it ain't broke keep your damn hand off it. I ain't saying he is dumb but when he shakes his head it sounds like two marbles in a can.
I did'nt say you did it, I am blaming you

Apr 17, 2026

#30

I monitored CB and GMRS for weeks. There is no one on GMRS. if you rely on GMRS for help you will be sorry. There were a few drunks on CB. The local ham repeater had more traffic on it on a daily basis than both CB and GMRS combined.

Joined May 29, 2020 Member 546
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Apr 18, 2026

#31

You need to get on a repeater for GMRS as well to get folks to reply. I agree if you are traveling alone, the GMRS are kind of useless. I'm looking to put a CB back in my F-150 so I can yak with the truckers.

Apr 18, 2026

#32

MIGeezer
You need to get on a repeater for GMRS as well to get folks to reply. I agree if you are traveling alone, the GMRS are kind of useless. I'm looking to put a CB back in my F-150 so I can yak with the truckers.

If you are in the CT area get on CB ch 6 and talk to cheeseburger, hes a professional ratchet jaw.

I just got a brand new Cobra 29 LTD for the tractor. I wanted a PA to talk to the ground man GMRS doesn't have PA. Weird

Joined May 29, 2020 Member 546
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